Multi-purpose tube for oil well cement testing

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a sample testing system of the present invention generally include two internally threaded caps; an externally threaded outer tube having a tapered internal bore and external circumferential grooves proximate each end thereof; an O-ring seated in each groove; and a plurality of inner tube sections cooperatively arranged to form an externally tapered inner tube structure that is disposed within the outer tube; wherein each cap is sealingly attached to an end of the outer tube via threading engagement therewith. Various embodiments utilize at least one closed-ended cap and/or at least one cap having a port extending through an end thereof, which may also incorporate a piston cavity and a piston having two circumferentially disposed O-rings. Embodiments allow for inner tube structure removal and separation of the inner tube sections for cured sample recovery. Embodiments of a method of using the system to cure a sample are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/240,822 filed on Aug. 18, 2016, which application claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/207,475 filed on Aug. 20, 2015,which applications are both incorporated herein by reference as ifreproduced in full below.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to testing equipment used tomeasure properties of materials and chemical systems, and morespecifically to an apparatus and method to subject oil well cementslurries to elevated temperatures and pressures while maintaining theshape and density of the cement slurry.

Description of the Related Art

In the oil and gas industry, it is necessary to understand theproperties of materials used during exploration and production, and todetermine how the properties are affected by temperature, pressure, andtime. This is especially true of oil well cements; and while there is aslew of testing developed for standard cements, current laboratorytesting of foam cement designs is difficult because of insufficient andinappropriate laboratory testing equipment.

Foam cement (also known as foamed cement) is a cement slurry comprisingfoaming agents and a gas, that is used to provide a low density cementsystem. The composition may also comprise various cement additivesand/or water. Typically, the gas employed is nitrogen (N₂) gas, althoughother gases may be utilized. The foaming agent(s) employed may beselected from an assortment of commercially available materials, theselection of which is dependent on the desired properties of the cementsystem, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. In oil and gaswellbore drilling applications, foam cement is normally used forcementing wellbores with a low fracture gradient or for cementing acrossa lost-circulation zone. Traditionally, the performance of foam cementin the laboratory does not resemble its actual field properties becauseproper simulation conditions cannot be achieved. For example, currentlypracticed methods have the foam cement curing in an unconfined mold. Thefoam cement expands when heated in both the laboratory and actual fieldsettings; however, under field use conditions, expansion is restricteddue to hydrostatic pressure present in the wellbore, while in thelaboratory, the unconfined mold allows for less restricted expansion,causing the laboratory cured cement to have a different density thandesigned. This less restricted expansion introduces errors to thetesting.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention generally include an apparatus comprisingan outer tube and an inner tube. In various embodiments, the outer tubeis constructed with open ends, a tapered interior, exterior machinedthreads, and an annular external circumferential groove on both ends foruse with an elastomer seal, such as an O-ring. In various embodiments,the inner tube has a smooth bored inner surface, a tapered outersurface, and is split longitudinally into at least two sections.

In one embodiment of the invention, herein described as a SealedMulti-Purpose Tube (Sealed MPT), the outer tube is sealed using twoclosed-ended caps. The closed-ended caps have a solid body and interiormachined threads to match those on the outer tube. The Sealed MPT allowsfor test samples to be held at temperature without any outsidepressurization.

In another embodiment, herein described as a Ported-Piston Multi-PurposeTube (Ported-Piston MPT), the apparatus utilizes a ported cap, a pistoncap, and a piston. The ported cap is similar to the sealed cap, but hasa port (opening), which may be internally threaded, on the end thereof.The piston cap is similar to the ported cap, but has a small cavity tohold the piston. The piston has an outer diameter to match the innerbore of the inner tube, as well as two external circumferential groovesfor use with an elastomer seal, such as an O-ring. The Ported-Piston MPTallows for test samples to be held at temperature under additionalpressure, wherein the pressure is transmitted to the sample via thepiston.

In another embodiment, herein described as a Piston-Sealed Multi-PurposeTube (Piston-Sealed MPT), the apparatus utilizes a closed-ended cap, apiston cap, and a piston. In an additional embodiment, herein describedas a Ported-Sealed Multi-Purpose Tube (Ported-Sealed MPT), the apparatusutilizes a ported cap and a closed-ended cap. In still anotherembodiment, herein described as a Ported Multi-Purpose Tube (PortedMPT), the apparatus utilizes two ported caps. In one embodiment, hereindescribed as a Piston Multi-Purpose Tube (Piston MPT), the apparatusutilizes two piston caps.

With regard to the various embodiments of a Multi-Purpose Tube (MPT) ofthe present invention disclosed herein, the apparatus is adapted andconfigured to allow for solidification (curing) of a liquid sample underdesired volume, temperature, and/or pressure control. The apparatusfurther allows for substantially intact recovery of the cured sample.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an MPT of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an MPT of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an MPT of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an MPT of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outer tube ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a depiction of an embodiment of an inner tube section of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 6A-6D are top views of embodiments of mating faces of proximateinner tube sections of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a closed-ended capof the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a ported cap of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a piston cap of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a depiction of an embodiment of a piston of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 shows the steps of an embodiment of a method of use of a SealedMPT of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows the steps of an embodiment of a method of use of aPorted-Piston MPT of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows the steps of an embodiment of a method of use of aPiston-Sealed MPT of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows the steps of an embodiment of a method of use of aPorted-Sealed MPT of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows the steps of an embodiment of a method of use of a PortedMPT of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the steps of an embodiment of a method of use of a PistonMPT of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments are best understood by referring to thedrawings wherein like reference characters designate like or similarparts throughout. The directions lower, upper, top, and bottom as usedin this specification are used for descriptive purposes only and otherorientations are contemplated. As used herein, inner or inward meanstoward the axial center A-A of the MPT and outer or outward means awayfrom the axial center A-A.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an embodiment 100 of a Sealed MPT of the presentinvention. In the depicted embodiment, Sealed MPT 100 comprises twoclosed-ended caps 1, two outer tube elastomer seals 2, such as O-rings,an outer tube 3, and two inner tube sections 4. In other embodiments,sealed MPT 100 may comprise more, fewer, or no outer tube O-rings 2,and/or three or more inner tube sections 4.

Embodiments of closed-ended cap 1 are shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7. In oneembodiment, a closed-ended cap 1 comprises a substantially tubularcomponent with an internal bore 16 open at one end and closed at theother end. Closed-ended cap 1 is configured to be removingly attachableto outer tube 3. In one embodiment, closed-ended cap 1 comprises afemale connection means adapted to cooperate with a male connectionmeans of outer tube 3, although other configurations may be utilized. Inone embodiment, as shown in more detail in FIG. 7, the internal bore ofclosed-ended cap 1, proximate open end 15 thereof, comprises internalthreading 11 to provide connectability to corresponding threadingprovided externally to outer tube 3, although other possible connectionmechanisms are employable. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7,closed-ended cap 1 comprises a substantially vertical sealing surface 12proximate internal closed end 13 thereof. Closed-ended cap 1 maycomprise a beveled surface 14, intermediate sealing surface 12 andinternal threading 11, that facilitates installation of open end 15 ofclosed-ended cap 1 over outer tube O-ring 2. In one embodiment,closed-ended cap 1 comprises a substantially cylindrical exterior,although other geometries may be utilized. Closed-ended cap 1 maycomprise one or more external notches 9 or other feature to facilitateattaching closed-ended cap 1 to outer tube 3 and detaching closed-endedcap 1 therefrom. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, aclosed-ended cap 1 may be equipped with a handle 91 to facilitatemanipulation of the closed-ended cap 1 and/or the MPT. In oneembodiment, handle 91 is attached to closed-ended cap 1 using one ormore screws 92 provided through holes 94 extending through closed-endedcap 1 and engaged into threaded holes 93 (shown in FIG. 7). In otherembodiments, a handle 91 may be attached to closed-ended cap 1 by otherknown mechanisms, or provided integral to closed-ended cap 1, as wouldbe understood by one skilled in the art.

Embodiments of outer tube O-ring 2 are shown in FIGS. 1-4. In oneembodiment, outer tube O-ring 2 is a substantially circular componentutilized to increase sealability of Sealed MPT 100. Outer tube elastomerseal 2 may comprise any suitable compressible material, as would beunderstood by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, an outer tubeO-ring 2 comprises a fluoroelastomer (FKM) material such as Viton®. Inother embodiments, an outer tube O-ring 2 comprises materials such as,but not limited to, silicone rubber (SiR); nitrile rubber (Buna-N, NBR,HNBR, HSN); polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon®; andperfluoroelastomer (FFKM), such as Kalrez®. In other embodiments,elastomer seal 2 may comprise a component such as, but not limited to, agasket, a washer seal, or a PolyPak® seal. In one embodiment, outer tubeO-ring 2 is sized to be provided external to a portion of outer tube 3,such that outer tube O-ring 2 is forced into abutment with sealingsurface 12 when closed-ended cap 1 is connected to outer tube 3, therebyproviding a seal there between. In other embodiments of Sealed MPT 100,alternative sealing materials such as, but not limited to, a gelmaterial such as Teflon® paste or a thin, flexible material such asTeflon® tape, may be used in addition to, or in lieu of, one or both ofouter tube O-rings 2.

Embodiments of outer tube 3 are shown in FIGS. 1-5. In one embodiment,outer tube 3 comprises a substantially cylindrical component with atapered internal bore 32 open at both ends. As depicted in theembodiment shown in FIG. 5, tapered internal bore 32 comprises anarrower upper end 35 and a wider lower end 36. Outer tube 3 is sizedand configured to accommodate inner tube sections 4 there within. Outertube 3 is sized and adapted such that both upper end 35 and lower end 36may each be accommodated within a closed-end cap 1. Outer tube 3comprises an outer surface 31. In one embodiment, outer tube 3 comprisesexternal threading 33 proximate upper end 35 and lower end 36. In oneembodiment, outer tube 3 comprises an external circumferential groove 34disposed intermediate external threading 33 and upper end 35 and/orlower end 36. Groove 34 is sized and adapted to accommodate an outertube O-ring 2 seated there into. In one embodiment, outer tube 3 maycomprise one or more external notches 10 or other feature to facilitateattaching closed-ended cap 1 to outer tube 3 and detaching closed-endedcap 1 therefrom.

Embodiments of inner tube sections 4 are shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6. Innertube sections 4 are sized and configured to be cooperatively arranged toform an externally tapered, substantially annular structure. Althoughthe embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 depict use of two inner tubesections 4, the invention is not so limited, and three or more innertube sections 4 may be employed. Inner tube sections 4 are adapted to becombined by abutting mating faces 44 thereof, thereby forming an “innertube structure” comprising an axial internal bore 17. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 6, each inner tube section 4 comprises a curved innersurface 41, which forms a portion of the surface of the axial internalbore 17, and a tapered outer surface 42. Cooperative arrangement ofexternally narrower ends 45 and externally wider ends 46 of inner tubesections 4 provides an externally tapered structure. In one embodiment,the axial internal bore 17 of the inner tube structure has asubstantially equivalent diameter along the length thereof, althoughother geometries may be employed. When more than two inner tube sections4 are employed, other end geometries may be employed such that anexternally tapered structure is formed by cooperative arrangement ofinner tube sections 4. The externally tapered structure formed bycooperative arrangement of a plurality of inner tube sections 4 is sizedand configured to fit within internal bore 32 of outer tube 3. In oneembodiment, one of the two mating faces 44 of the inner tube sections 4has a beveled edge 43 adjacent to the outer surface 42 thereof. Invarious embodiments, mating faces 44 may comprise different butcomplementary geometries. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6A-6D,proximate mating faces 44 are shown as in FIG. 6 (FIG. 6A), and indifferent but complementary geometries (FIGS. 6B-6D). In one embodiment,the length of one or more of the plurality of inner tube sections 4 isnominally greater than the length of internal bore 32 of outer tube 3.

The dimensions of the inner tube structure may be varied, and arelimited only by a desired sample volume. In one embodiment, the innertube structure has an internal diameter (ID) of about 1.00 inch (2.54centimeters), and an axial length of about 8.00 inches (20.32centimeters). In one embodiment, the inner tube structure has an innertube structure length to internal diameter ratio of from about 5:1 toabout 8:1. In one embodiment, the inner tube structure is sized toaccommodate between about 3.38 ounces (100 milliliters) to about 8.45ounces (250 milliliters) of sample.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an embodiment 200 of a Ported-Piston MPT of thepresent invention. In the depicted embodiment, Ported-Piston MPT 200comprises a piston cap 5, two piston elastomer seals 6, such as O-rings,a piston 7, two outer tube O-rings 2, an outer tube 3, two inner tubesections 4, and a ported cap 8. In other embodiments, Ported-Piston MPT200 may comprise fewer or no outer tube O-rings 2 and/or piston O-rings6, and/or three or more inner tube sections 4. In one embodiment,Ported-Piston MPT 200 components outer tube O-ring(s) 2, outer tube 3,and inner tube sections 4 are as described above regarding Sealed MPT100.

Embodiments of piston cap 5 are shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 9. In oneembodiment, piston cap 5 is substantially similar to closed-ended cap 1,but additionally comprises an internally threaded port 57 (comprisinginternal threading 62) which extends from the exterior end surface 59 ofpiston cap 5 to end 56 of a piston cavity 55, fluidly connecting pistoncavity 55 to the exterior of piston cap 5. In one embodiment, port 57comprises internally tapered threading, such as but not limited to, aNational Pipe Thread Taper (NPT). An open end 58 of piston cap 5 issized and adapted to accommodate there within upper end 35 of outer tube3. In one embodiment, piston cavity 55, having an inner surface 50,comprises a substantially tubular shaped void intermediate port 57 andan internal end 53 of the internal bore 60 of piston cap 5. In oneembodiment, piston cavity 55 has a diameter substantially equal to thediameter of the axial internal bore 17 of the inner tube structure asdescribed above. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, piston cap 5comprises a substantially vertical sealing surface 52 proximate internalend 53. Piston cap 5 may comprise a beveled surface 54, intermediatesealing surface 52 and internal threading 51, that facilitatesinstallation of open end 58 of piston cap 5 over outer tube O-ring 2. Inone embodiment, piston cap 5 comprises a substantially cylindricalexterior, although other geometries may be utilized. Piston cap 5 maycomprise one or more external notches 61 or other feature to facilitateattaching piston cap 5 to outer tube 3 and detaching piston cap 5therefrom.

Embodiments of piston O-ring 6 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In oneembodiment, piston O-ring 6 is a substantially circular componentutilized to increase sealability of Ported-Piston MPT 200. Elastomerseal 6 may comprise any suitable compressible material, as would beunderstood by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, a piston O-ring6 comprises a fluoroelastomer (FKM) material such as Viton®. In otherembodiments, a piston O-ring 6 comprises materials such as, but notlimited to, silicone rubber (SiR); nitrile rubber (Buna-N, NBR, HNBR,HSN); polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon®; andperfluoroelastomer (FFKM), such as Kalrez®. In other embodiments,elastomer seal 6 may comprise a component such as, but not limited to, agasket, a washer seal, or a PolyPak® seal. In one embodiment, pistonO-ring 6 is sized to be provided external to a portion of piston 7, suchthat piston O-ring 6 is forced into abutment with the internal surfaceof piston cavity 55 when piston cap 5, containing piston 7 disposed inpiston cavity 55 there within, is connected to outer tube 3, therebyproviding a seal between piston 7 and piston cap 5. In other embodimentsof Ported-Piston MPT 200, alternative sealing materials such as, but notlimited to, a gel material such as Teflon® paste or a thin, flexiblematerial such as Teflon® tape, may be used in addition to, or in lieuof, one or both of piston O-rings 6. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS.3 and 4, two piston O-rings 6 are employed, however, the invention isnot so limited and more, fewer, or no O-rings 6 may be utilized topractice the present invention.

Embodiments of piston 7 are shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 10. In oneembodiment, piston 7 comprises a substantially cylindrical component,comprising a top surface 18 and a bottom surface 19, that is sized andadapted to be accommodated within piston cavity 55. In one embodiment,piston 7 has an outer surface 71 which contains one or morecircumferential external grooves 72 that are sized and adapted toaccommodate a piston O-ring 6 seated there into.

Embodiments of ported cap 8 are shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 8. In oneembodiment, ported cap 8 is substantially similar to closed-ended cap 1,but additionally comprises an internally threaded port 85 (comprisinginternal threading 90) which extends from the exterior end surface 87 ofported cap 8 through an internal end 83 of an internal bore 88 of portedcap 8. Threaded port 85 provides fluid communication between theexterior of ported cap 8 and the internal bore 88 of ported cap 8. Inone embodiment, port 85 comprises internally tapered threading, such asbut not limited to, a National Pipe Thread Taper (NPT). An open end 86of ported cap 8 is sized and adapted to accommodate there within lowerend 36 of outer tube 3. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, ported cap8 comprises a substantially vertical sealing surface 82 proximateinternal end 83 of internal bore 88 thereof. Ported cap 8 may comprise abeveled surface 84, intermediate sealing surface 82 and internalthreading 81, that facilitates installation of open end 86 of ported cap8 over outer tube O-ring 2. In one embodiment, ported cap 8 comprises asubstantially cylindrical exterior, although other geometries may beutilized. Ported cap 8 may comprise one or more external notches 89 orother feature to facilitate attaching ported cap 8 to outer tube 3 anddetaching ported cap 8 therefrom.

In another embodiment (not shown), herein described as a Piston-SealedMPT, the device comprises a closed-ended cap 1, two outer tube O-rings2, an outer tube 3, two inner tube sections 4, a piston cap 5, twopiston O-rings 6, and a piston 7. In other embodiments, a Piston-SealedMPT may comprise fewer or no outer tube O-rings 2 and/or piston O-rings6, and/or three or more inner tube sections 4. In one embodiment,Piston-Sealed MPT components closed-ended cap 1, outer tube O-ring(s) 2,outer tube 3, and inner tube sections 4 are as described above regardingSealed MPT 100, and Piston-Sealed MPT components piston cap 5, pistonO-ring(s) 6, and piston 7 are as described above regarding Ported-PistonMPT 200.

In another embodiment (not shown), herein described as a Ported-SealedMPT, the device comprises a closed-ended cap 1, two outer tube O-rings2, an outer tube 3, two inner tube sections 4, and a ported cap 8. Inother embodiments, a Ported-Sealed MPT may comprise fewer or no outertube O-rings 2 and/or three or more inner tube sections 4. In oneembodiment, Ported-Sealed MPT components closed-ended cap 1, outer tubeO-ring(s) 2, outer tube 3, and inner tube sections 4 are as describedabove regarding Sealed MPT 100, and Ported-Sealed MPT component portedcap 8 is as described above regarding Ported-Piston MPT 200.

In another embodiment (not shown), herein described as a Ported MPT, thedevice comprises two ported caps 8, two outer tube O-rings 2, an outertube 3, and two inner tube sections 4. In other embodiments, a PortedMPT may comprise fewer or no outer tube O-rings 2 and/or three or moreinner tube sections 4. In one embodiment, Ported MPT components outertube O-ring(s) 2, outer tube 3, and inner tube sections 4 are asdescribed above regarding Sealed MPT 100, and Ported MPT componentsported caps 8 are as described above regarding Ported-Piston MPT 200.

In another embodiment (not shown), herein described as a Piston MPT, thedevice comprises two piston caps 5, two outer tube O-rings 2, an outertube 3, two inner tube sections 4, four piston O-rings 6, and 2 pistons7. In other embodiments, a Piston-MPT may comprise fewer or no outertube O-rings 2 and/or piston O-rings 6, and/or three or more inner tubesections 4. In one embodiment, Piston MPT components outer tubeO-ring(s) 2, outer tube 3, and inner tube sections 4 are as describedabove regarding Sealed MPT 100, and Piston MPT components piston cap 5,piston O-ring(s) 6, and piston 7 are as described above regardingPorted-Piston MPT 200.

Various embodiments of Multi-Purpose Tube systems of the presentinvention may be provided in alternative manners of utilizing the systemcomponents described herein. As an example only, embodiments in which aclosed-ended cap 1 is provided may alternatively comprise, in lieu ofthe closed-ended cap 1, a piston cap 5, including or not including apiston 7 disposed there within, and with or without fluid sealing ofport 57 of the piston cap 5 as applicable to provide a sealed system; orin lieu of the closed-ended cap 1, a ported cap 8 with fluid sealing ofport 85 of ported cap 8. As one skilled in the art would understand,other described components of embodiments of the Multi-Purpose Tubesystems may be combined and/or interchanged to provide an apparatus forand means of testing samples according to the present invention.

In various MPT embodiments, closed-ended cap(s) 1, outer tube 3, innertube sections 4, piston cap 5, piston 7, and/or ported cap(s) 8 comprisethe same or different materials. Such materials include, but are notlimited to, materials comprising metals, such as steel and aluminum; andmetal alloys, such as brass and nickel alloys including Inconel®. In oneembodiment, the material of construction for one or more of thesecomponents comprises stainless steel. In one embodiment, MPT apparatusesdescribed herein can be utilized to expose test samples to temperaturesof between about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) and about 400degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). In one embodiment, MPTapparatuses described herein can be utilized to expose test samples topressures up to about 3000 psi (20.68 MPa). The dimensional andoperational parameters described herein are exemplary only, however, andone skilled in the art would understand the invention is not so limited.

Operation

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, in an exemplary operation ofSealed MPT 100, an outer tube O-ring 2 is installed in each of twogrooves 34 of outer tube 3. In one embodiment, two inner tube sections 4are cooperatively arranged, i.e., with externally narrower ends 45disposed proximately and externally wider ends 46 disposed proximately,and mating facings 44 are placed in abutment to form the inner tubestructure. The end of the inner tube structure comprising externallynarrower ends 45 is inserted into the lower (externally wide) end 36 ofinternal bore 32 of outer tube 3, whereby the outer tapered surface ofthe inner tube structure adjoins the surface of tapered internal bore 32of outer tube 3. In one embodiment, a closed-ended cap 1 is attachedonto the lower end 36 of outer tube 3 by means of engagement of interiorthreads 11 of the closed-ended cap 1 and the exterior threads 33 ofouter tube 3, thereby forming a seal between the proximate outer tubeO-ring 2 and sealing surface 12 of that closed-ended cap 1. Alsothereby, internal closed end 13 of closed-ended cap 1 contacts thebottom end of the inner tube structure and biases the inner tubestructure upward into outer tube 3. Such biasing creates a seal betweenmating surfaces 44 of inner tube sections 4. In one embodiment, a testsample (not shown) is then placed into the upper end of the inner tubestructure, which is disposed within outer tube 3. Another closed-endedcap 1 is then attached onto the upper end 35 of outer tube 3 by means ofthreaded engagement of interior threads 11 of that closed-ended cap 1and the exterior threads 33 of outer tube 3, thereby forming a sealbetween the proximate outer tube O-ring 2 and sealing surface 12 of thatclosed-ended cap 1. In one embodiment, the Sealed MPT 100 is then heatedto “cure” the sample by means as are known in the art.

Upon conclusion of the heat treatment, the Sealed MPT 100 can bedisassembled in the reverse order as described above, for example, andthe test sample can be recovered from the inner tube structure fortesting. In one embodiment, after curing the test sample, a rubber orwooden mallet is used to force the inner tube structure containing thecured test sample from outer tube 3. The inner tube sections 4 of theinner tube structure can then readily be separated to permit extractionof the set, intact test sample for physical testing.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, in an exemplary operation ofPorted-Piston MPT 200, an outer tube O-ring 2 is installed in each oftwo grooves 34 of outer tube 3. In one embodiment, two inner tubesections 4 are cooperatively arranged, i.e., with externally narrowerends 45 disposed proximately and externally wider ends 46 disposedproximately, and mating facings 44 are placed in abutment to form theinner tube structure. In one embodiment, the end of the inner tubestructure comprising externally narrower ends 45 is inserted into thelower (externally wide) end 36 of internal bore 32 of outer tube 3,whereby the outer tapered surface of the inner tube structure adjoinsthe surface of tapered internal bore 32 of outer tube 3. In oneembodiment, ported cap 8 is attached onto the lower end 36 of outer tube3 by means of engagement of interior threads 81 of ported cap 8 andexterior threads 33 of outer tube 3, thereby forming a seal between theproximate outer tube O-ring 2 and sealing surface 82 of ported cap 8.Also thereby, internal end 83 of internal bore 88 of ported cap 8contacts the bottom end of the inner tube structure and biases the innertube structure upward into outer tube 3. Such biasing creates a sealbetween mating surfaces 44 of inner tube sections 4. A piston O-ring 6is installed in each external groove 72 of piston 7, and piston 7 thusequipped is installed into piston cavity 55 of piston cap 5, therebyforming two annular seals between piston 7 and the inner surface 50 ofpiston cavity 55 of piston cap 5. Piston cap 5, containing the pistonO-rings 6 equipped piston 7, is then attached onto the upper end 35 ofouter tube 3 by means of threaded engagement of interior threads 51 ofpiston cap 5 and exterior threads 33 of outer tube 3, thereby forming aseal between the proximate outer tube O-ring 2 and sealing surface 52 ofpiston cap 5. In one embodiment, a desired fluid pressure is thenapplied, via port 57 of piston cap 5, to the top surface of piston 7,using an external fluid pressure source (not shown) connected to a fluidcommunication system (not shown), which comprises an external threadingsized and adapted to engage the internal threading 62 of port 57,threadingly engaged with port 57. The applied fluid pressure forcespiston 7 to the bottom of the inner tube structure, proximate ported cap8. In one embodiment, while such pressure is being applied to piston 7,pressurized sample material (not shown) is then provided into the innertube structure, which is disposed within outer tube 3, through port 85of ported cap 8, utilizing an external, pressurized source of testsample material (not shown) connected to a fluid communication system(not shown), which comprises an external threading sized and adapted toengage the internal threading 90 of port 85, threadingly engaged withport 85. The sample material is provided at a pressure at leastsufficient to force piston 7 upward in the inner tube structure andforce the top end of piston 7 into abutment with end 56 of piston cavity55 when the inner tube structure has been filled with pressurized testsample. At this point, in one embodiment, two pressure sealingoperations are performed. In one operation, fluid flow out ofPorted-Piston MPT 200 through port 57 of piston cap 5 is prevented. Thismay be accomplished, for example, by manipulation, either manual orautomated, of a flow control device (not shown), such as a valve, of thefluid communication system attached to port 57, or by disconnecting thefluid communication system attached to port 57 and attaching anexternally threaded plug (not shown) into port 57. In another operation,the provision of pressurized test sample to Ported-Piston MPT 200 isdiscontinued, and fluid flow out of Ported-Piston MPT 200 through port85 of ported cap 8 is prevented. This may be accomplished, for example,by manipulation, either manual or automated, of a flow control device(not shown), such as a valve, of the fluid communication system attachedto port 85, or by disconnecting the fluid communication system attachedto port 85 and attaching an externally threaded plug (not shown) intoport 85. In one embodiment, the Ported-Piston MPT 200 is then heated to“cure” the sample by means as are known in the art.

Upon conclusion of the heat treatment, the Ported-Piston MPT 200 can bedisassembled in the reverse order as described above, for example, andthe test sample can be recovered from the inner tube structure fortesting. In one embodiment, after curing the test sample, a rubber orwooden mallet is used to force the inner tube structure containing thecured test sample from outer tube 3. The inner tube sections 4 of theinner tube structure can then readily be separated to permit extractionof the set, intact test sample for physical testing.

In an exemplary operation of a Piston-Sealed MPT (not shown), an outertube O-ring 2 is installed in each of two grooves 34 of outer tube 3. Inone embodiment, two inner tube sections 4 are cooperatively arranged,i.e., with externally narrower ends 45 disposed proximately andexternally wider ends 46 disposed proximately, and mating facings 44 areplaced in abutment to form an inner tube structure. The end of the innertube structure comprising externally narrower ends 45 is inserted intothe lower (externally wide) end 36 of internal bore 32 of outer tube 3,whereby the outer tapered surface of the inner tube structure adjoinsthe surface of tapered internal bore 32 of outer tube 3. In oneembodiment, a closed-ended cap 1 is attached onto the lower end 36 ofouter tube 3 by means of engagement of interior threads 11 ofclosed-ended cap 1 and exterior threads 33 of outer tube 3, therebyforming a seal between the proximate outer tube O-ring 2 and sealingsurface 12 of closed-ended cap 1. Also thereby, internal closed end 13of closed-ended cap 1 contacts the bottom end of the inner tubestructure and biases the inner tube structure upward into outer tube 3.Such biasing creates a seal between mating surfaces 44 of inner tubesections 4. In one embodiment, a test sample (not shown) is then placedinto the upper end of the inner tube structure, which is disposed withinouter tube 3. In one embodiment, a piston O-ring 6 is installed in eachexternal groove 72 of piston 7, and piston 7 thus equipped is installedinto piston cavity 55 of piston cap 5, thereby forming two seals betweenpiston 7 and the inner surface 50 of piston cavity 55 of piston cap 5.Piston cap 5, containing the piston O-rings 6 equipped piston 7, is thenattached onto the upper end 35 of outer tube 3 by means of threadedengagement of interior threads 51 of piston cap 5 and exterior threads33 of outer tube 3, thereby forming a seal between the proximate outertube O-ring 2 and sealing surface 52 of piston cap 5. In one embodiment,a desired fluid pressure is then applied, via port 57 of piston cap 5,to the top surface of piston 5, using an external fluid pressure source(not shown) connected to a fluid communication system (not shown), whichcomprises an external threading sized and adapted to engage the internalthreading 62 of port 57, threadingly engaged with port 57. At thispoint, a pressure sealing operation is performed. In this operation,fluid flow out of the Piston-Sealed MPT through port 57 of piston cap 5is prevented. This may be accomplished, for example, by manipulation,either manual or automated, of a flow control device (not shown), suchas a valve, of the fluid communication system attached to port 57, or bydisconnecting the fluid communication system attached to port 57 andattaching an externally threaded plug (not shown) into port 57. In oneembodiment, the Piston-Sealed MPT is then heated to “cure” the sample bymeans as are known in the art.

Upon conclusion of the heat treatment, the Piston-Sealed MPT can bedisassembled in the reverse order as described above, for example, andthe test sample can be recovered from the inner tube structure fortesting. In one embodiment, after curing the test sample, a rubber orwooden mallet is used to force the inner tube structure containing thecured test sample from outer tube 3. The inner tube sections 4 of theinner tube structure can then readily be separated to permit extractionof the set, intact test sample for physical testing.

In an exemplary operation of a Ported-Sealed MPT (not shown), an outertube O-ring 2 is installed in each of two grooves 34 of outer tube 3. Inone embodiment, two inner tube sections 4 are cooperatively arranged,i.e., with externally narrower ends 45 disposed proximately andexternally wider ends 46 disposed proximately, and mating facings 44 areplaced in abutment to form an inner tube structure. The end of the innertube structure comprising externally narrower ends 45 is inserted intothe lower (externally wide) end 36 of internal bore 32 of outer tube 3,whereby the outer tapered surface of the inner tube structure adjoinsthe surface of tapered internal bore 32 of outer tube 3. In oneembodiment, a closed-ended cap 1 is attached onto the lower end 36 ofouter tube 3 by means of engagement of interior threads 11 ofclosed-ended cap 1 and exterior threads 33 of outer tube 3, therebyforming a seal between the proximate outer tube O-ring 2 and sealingsurface 12 of closed-ended cap 1. Also thereby, internal closed end 13of closed-ended cap 1 contacts the bottom end of the inner tubestructure and biases the inner tube structure upward into outer tube 3.Such biasing creates a seal between mating surfaces 44 of inner tubesections 4. In one embodiment, a test sample (not shown) is then placedinto the upper end of the inner tube structure, which is disposed withinouter tube 3. A ported cap 8 is then attached onto the upper end 35 ofouter tube 3 by means of threaded engagement of interior threads 81 ofthe ported cap 8 and the exterior threads 33 of outer tube 3, therebyforming a seal between the proximate outer tube O-ring 2 and sealingsurface 82 of the ported cap 8. In one embodiment, a desired fluidpressure is then applied, via port 85 of ported cap 8, to internal bore17 of the inner tube structure, using an external fluid pressure source(not shown) connected to a fluid communication system (not shown), whichcomprises an external threading sized and adapted to engage the internalthreading 90 of port 85, threadingly engaged with port 85. At thispoint, a pressure sealing operation is performed. In this operation,fluid flow out of the Ported-Sealed MPT through port 85 of ported cap 8is prevented. This may be accomplished, for example, by manipulation,either manual or automated, of a flow control device (not shown), suchas a valve, of the fluid communication system attached to port 85, or bydisconnecting the fluid communication system attached to port 85 andattaching an externally threaded plug (not shown) into port 85. In oneembodiment, the Ported-Sealed MPT is then heated to “cure” the sample bymeans as are known in the art.

Upon conclusion of the heat treatment, the Ported-Sealed MPT can bedisassembled in the reverse order as described above, for example, andthe test sample can be recovered from the inner tube structure fortesting. In one embodiment, after curing the test sample, a rubber orwooden mallet is used to force the inner tube structure containing thecured test sample from outer tube 3. The inner tube sections 4 of theinner tube structure can then readily be separated to permit extractionof the set, intact test sample for physical testing.

In an exemplary operation of a Ported MPT (not shown), an outer tubeO-ring 2 is installed in each of two grooves 34 of outer tube 3. In oneembodiment, two inner tube sections 4 are cooperatively arranged, i.e.,with externally narrower ends 45 disposed proximately and externallywider ends 46 disposed proximately, and mating facings 44 are placed inabutment to form an inner tube structure. The end of the inner tubestructure comprising externally narrower ends 45 is inserted into thelower (externally wide) end 36 of internal bore 32 of outer tube 3,whereby the outer tapered surface of the inner tube structure adjoinsthe surface of tapered internal bore 32 of outer tube 3. In oneembodiment, one ported cap 8 is then attached onto the lower end 36 ofouter tube 3 by means of threaded engagement of interior threads 81 ofthat ported cap 8 and the exterior threads 33 of outer tube 3, therebyforming a seal between the proximate outer tube O-ring 2 and sealingsurface 82 of the ported cap 8. Also thereby, internal end 83 ofinternal bore 88 of ported cap 8 contacts the bottom end of the innertube structure and biases the inner tube structure upward into outertube 3. Such biasing creates a seal between mating surfaces 44 of innertube sections 4. In one embodiment, a second ported cap 8 is thenattached onto the upper end 35 of outer tube 3 by means of threadedengagement of interior threads 81 of that ported cap 8 and the exteriorthreads 33 of outer tube 3, thereby forming a seal between the proximateouter tube O-ring 2 and sealing surface 82 of the ported cap 8 In oneembodiment, pressurized sample material (not shown) is then providedinto the inner tube structure, which is disposed within outer tube 3,through port 85 of the ported cap 8 attached to the lower end 36 ofouter tube 3, utilizing an external, pressurized source of test samplematerial (not shown) connected to a fluid communication system (notshown), which comprises an external threading sized and adapted toengage the internal threading 90 of port 85, threadingly engaged withport 85. In one embodiment, when a desired amount of sample material(not shown) has been provided into the inner tube structure, fluid flowout of the Ported MPT through port 85 of ported cap 8 attached to thelower end 36 of outer tube 3 is prevented. This may be accomplished, forexample, by manipulation, either manual or automated, of a flow controldevice (not shown), such as a valve, of the fluid communication systemattached to port 85, or by disconnecting the fluid communication systemattached to port 85 and attaching an externally threaded plug (notshown) into port 85. In one embodiment, a desired fluid pressure is thenapplied, via port 85 of the ported cap 8 attached to the upper end 35 ofouter tube 3, to internal bore 17 of the inner tube structure, using anexternal fluid pressure source (not shown) connected to a fluidcommunication system (not shown), which comprises an external threadingsized and adapted to engage the internal threading 90 of port 85,threadingly engaged with port 85. At this point, a pressure sealingoperation is performed. In this operation, fluid flow out of the PortedMPT through port 85 of ported cap 8 attached to the upper end 35 ofouter tube 3 is prevented. This may be accomplished, for example, bymanipulation, either manual or automated, of a flow control device (notshown), such as a valve, of the fluid communication system attached toport 85, or by disconnecting the fluid communication system attached toport 85 and attaching an externally threaded plug (not shown) into port85. In one embodiment, the Ported MPT is then heated to “cure” thesample by means as are known in the art.

Upon conclusion of the heat treatment, the Ported MPT can bedisassembled in the reverse order as described above, for example, andthe test sample can be recovered from the inner tube structure fortesting. In one embodiment, after curing the test sample, a rubber orwooden mallet is used to force the inner tube structure containing thecured test sample from outer tube 3. The inner tube sections 4 of theinner tube structure can then readily be separated to permit extractionof the set, intact test sample for physical testing.

In an exemplary operation of a Piston MPT (not shown), an outer tubeO-ring 2 is installed in each of two grooves 34 of outer tube 3. In oneembodiment, two inner tube sections 4 are cooperatively arranged, i.e.,with externally narrower ends 45 disposed proximately and externallywider ends 46 disposed proximately, and mating facings 44 are placed inabutment to form an inner tube structure. The end of the inner tubestructure comprising externally narrower ends 45 is inserted into thelower (externally wide) end 36 of internal bore 32 of outer tube 3,whereby the outer tapered surface of the inner tube structure adjoinsthe surface of tapered internal bore 32 of outer tube 3. In oneembodiment, a piston O-ring 6 is installed in each external groove 72 ofa first piston 7, and that piston 7 thus equipped is installed into apiston cavity 55 of a first piston cap 5, thereby forming two sealsbetween the piston 7 and the inner surface 50 of the piston cavity 55 ofthe first piston cap 5. First piston cap 5, containing the pistonO-rings 6 equipped piston 7, is then attached onto the lower end 36 ofouter tube 3 by means of threaded engagement of interior threads 51 ofthat piston cap 5 and the exterior threads 33 of outer tube 3, therebyforming a seal between the proximate outer tube O-ring 2 and sealingsurface 52 of the piston cap 5. Also thereby, internal bore 60 end 53 ofthat piston cap 5 contacts the bottom end of the inner tube structureand biases the inner tube structure upward into outer tube 3. Suchbiasing creates a seal between mating surfaces 44 of inner tube sections4. In one embodiment, a test sample (not shown) is then placed into theupper end of the inner tube structure, which is disposed within outertube 3. In one embodiment, a piston O-ring 6 is installed in eachexternal groove 72 of a second piston 7, and that piston 7 thus equippedis installed into piston cavity 55 of a second piston cap 5, therebyforming two seals between the piston 7 and the inner surface 50 ofpiston cavity 55 of the second piston cap 5. Second piston cap 5,containing the piston O-rings 6 equipped piston 7, is then attached ontothe upper end 35 of outer tube 3 by means of threaded engagement ofinterior threads 51 of piston cap 5 and exterior threads 33 of outertube 3, thereby forming a seal between the proximate outer tube O-ring 2and sealing surface 52 of piston cap 5. In one embodiment, a desiredfluid pressure is then applied, via port 57 of first piston cap 5, tothe bottom surface 19 of its piston 5, using an external fluid pressuresource (not shown) connected to a fluid communication system (notshown), which comprises an external threading sized and adapted toengage the internal threading 62 of port 57, threadingly engaged withport 57. In one embodiment, a desired fluid pressure is then applied,via port 57 of second piston cap 5, to the top surface 18 of its piston5, using an external fluid pressure source (not shown) connected to afluid communication system (not shown), which comprises an externalthreading sized and adapted to engage the internal threading 62 of port57, threadingly engaged with port 57. At this point, in one embodiment,two pressure sealing operations are performed. In one operation, fluidflow out of the Piston MPT through port 57 of lower piston cap 5 isprevented. This may be accomplished, for example, by manipulation,either manual or automated, of a flow control device (not shown), suchas a valve, of the fluid communication system attached to port 57, or bydisconnecting the fluid communication system attached to port 57 andattaching an externally threaded plug (not shown) into port 57. Inanother operation, fluid flow out of the Piston MPT through port 57 ofupper piston cap 5 is prevented. This may be accomplished, for example,by manipulation, either manual or automated, of a flow control device(not shown), such as a valve, of the fluid communication system attachedto port 57, or by disconnecting the fluid communication system attachedto port 57 and attaching an externally threaded plug (not shown) intoport 57. In one embodiment, the Piston MPT is then heated to “cure” thesample by means as are known in the art.

Upon conclusion of the heat treatment, the Piston MPT can bedisassembled in the reverse order as described above, for example, andthe test sample can be recovered from the inner tube structure fortesting. In one embodiment, after curing the test sample, a rubber orwooden mallet is used to force the inner tube structure containing thecured test sample from outer tube 3. The inner tube sections 4 of theinner tube structure can then readily be separated to permit extractionof the set, intact test sample for physical testing.

As one skilled in the art would understand, the operational parametersdescribed above are merely exemplary and be may be modified to fitvarious applications. The Multi-Purpose Tubes described herein may beemployed using various combinations of the operational steps disclosedherein, as for example, with regard to the interchangeability of caps,the means of introducing sample into the inner tube structure, and thesealing and/or pressurization of the sample within the inner tubestructure.

Method

In one embodiment, MPT apparatuses described herein are useful forproviding a mechanism for allowing liquid test samples to solidify undercontrolled pressure and temperature conditions, i.e., “set” or “cure,”and then isolating the so produced solid material in substantiallyintact form. The solid material can then be subjected to variousmaterial testing procedures to measure certain physical propertiesthereof. Such physical properties include, but are not limited to,density, permeability, free fluid, compressive strength, mechanicalproperties, and solid suspending properties.

In one embodiment, a liquid test sample provided to the MPT apparatuscomprises a cement slurry. In various embodiments, the cement slurry maycomprise, but is not limited to, a foam Portland cement, a non-foamPortland cement, a non-Portland cement, or blends thereof. The inventionis not so limited, however, and other cement materials, as well asnon-cement materials, may be utilized as test samples for employment ofembodiments of the present invention.

An exemplary method 300 of curing a foam cement sample utilizing anembodiment of a Sealed MPT 100 of the present invention is outlined inFIG. 11, and includes the following steps.

An Outer Tube Provision Step 302, comprising providing an outer tube,such as outer tube 3.

An Outer Tube O-ring Attachment Step 304, comprising attaching twoO-rings, such as O-rings 2, to outer tube 3. In one embodiment, suchO-ring attachment comprises seating each O-ring 2 in an external outergroove of outer tube 3, such as groove 34.

An Inner Tube Structure Assembly Step 306, comprising cooperativelyarranging a plurality of inner tube sections, such as inner tubesections 4, to form an inner tube structure.

An Inner Tube Structure Insertion Step 308, comprising inserting theinner tube structure into outer tube 3 through the lower end thereof.

A Lower Closed-Ended Cap Attachment Step 310, comprising attaching aclosed-ended cap, such as closed-ended cap 1, to the lower end of outertube 3 equipped with O-ring 2. In one embodiment, such attachmentcomprises engaging internal threading of closed-ended cap 1, such asinternal threading 11, with external threading of outer tube 3, such asexternal threading 33.

A Sample Provision Step 312, comprising providing a liquid foam cementsample into the upper end of the inner tube structure.

An Upper Closed-Ended Cap Attachment Step 314, comprising attaching aclosed-ended cap, such as closed-ended cap 1, to the upper end of outertube 3 equipped with O-ring 2. In one embodiment, such attachmentcomprises engaging internal threading of closed-ended cap 1, such asinternal threading 11, with external threading of outer tube 3, such asexternal threading 33.

A Sample Curing Step 316, comprising exposing the Sealed MPT 100 to adesired temperature for a desired period of time.

A Cured Sample Recovery Step 318, comprising disassembling the SealedMPT 100 and removing the cured sample therefrom.

An exemplary method 400 of curing a foam cement sample utilizing anembodiment of a Ported-Piston MPT 200 of the present invention isoutlined in FIG. 12, and includes the following steps.

An Outer Tube Provision Step 402, comprising providing an outer tube,such as outer tube 3.

An Outer Tube O-ring Attachment Step 404, comprising attaching twoO-rings, such as O-rings 2, to outer tube 3. In one embodiment, suchO-ring attachment comprises seating each O-ring 2 in an external outergroove of outer tube 3, such as groove 34.

An Inner Tube Structure Assembly Step 406, comprising cooperativelyarranging a plurality of inner tube sections, such as inner tubesections 4, to form an inner tube structure.

An Inner Tube Structure Insertion Step 408, comprising inserting theinner tube structure into outer tube 3 through the lower end thereof.

A Ported Cap Attachment Step 410, comprising attaching a ported cap,such as ported cap 8, to the lower end of outer tube 3 equipped withO-ring 2. In one embodiment, such attachment comprises engaging internalthreading of ported cap 8, such as internal threading 81, with externalthreading of outer tube 3, such as external threading 33.

A Piston O-ring Attachment Step 412, comprising attaching two O-rings,such as O-rings 6, to a piston, such as piston 7. In one embodiment,such O-ring attachment comprises seating each O-ring 6 in an externalouter groove of piston 7, such as groove 72.

A Piston Insertion Step 414, comprising inserting piston 7 equipped withO-rings 6 into a piston cavity, such as piston cavity 55, of a pistoncap, such as piston cap 5.

A Piston Cap Attachment Step 416, comprising attaching piston cap 5containing piston 7 equipped with piston O-rings 6 to the upper end ofouter tube 3 equipped with O-ring 2. In one embodiment, such attachmentcomprises engaging internal threading of piston cap 5, such as internalthreading 51, with external threading of outer tube 3, such as externalthreading 33.

A Fluid Pressure Application Step 418, comprising providing pressurizedfluid to the top surface of piston 7 via a port in piston cap 5, such asport 57.

A Pressurized Sample Provision Step 420, comprising providing apressurized liquid foam cement sample into the inner tube structure viaa port in ported cap 8, such as port 85.

A Piston Cap Sealing Step 422, comprising preventing fluid flow out ofPorted-Piston MPT 200 through port 57 of piston cap 5.

A Ported Cap Sealing Step 424, comprising preventing fluid flow out ofPorted-Piston MPT 200 through port 85 of ported cap 8.

A Sample Curing Step 426, comprising exposing the Ported-Piston MPT 200containing the sample to a desired temperature for a desired period oftime.

A Cured Sample Recovery Step 428, comprising disassembling thePorted-Piston MPT 200 and removing the cured sample therefrom.

An exemplary method 500 of curing a foam cement sample utilizing anembodiment of a Piston-Sealed MPT of the present invention is outlinedin FIG. 13, and includes the following steps.

An Outer Tube Provision Step 502, comprising providing an outer tube,such as outer tube 3.

An Outer Tube O-ring Attachment Step 504, comprising attaching twoO-rings, such as O-rings 2, to outer tube 3. In one embodiment, suchO-ring attachment comprises seating each O-ring 2 in an external outergroove of outer tube 3, such as groove 34.

An Inner Tube Structure Assembly Step 506, comprising cooperativelyarranging a plurality of inner tube sections, such as inner tubesections 4, to form an inner tube structure.

An Inner Tube Structure Insertion Step 508, comprising inserting theinner tube structure into outer tube 3 through the lower end thereof.

A Closed-Ended Cap Attachment Step 510, comprising attaching aclosed-ended cap, such as closed-ended cap 1, to the lower end of outertube 3 equipped with O-ring 2. In one embodiment, such attachmentcomprises engaging internal threading of closed-ended cap 1, such asinternal threading 11, with external threading of outer tube 3, such asexternal threading 33.

A Sample Provision Step 512, comprising providing a liquid foam cementsample into the upper end of the inner tube structure.

A Piston O-ring Attachment Step 514, comprising attaching two O-rings,such as O-rings 6, to a piston, such as piston 7. In one embodiment,such O-ring attachment comprises seating each O-ring 6 in an externalouter groove of piston 7, such as groove 72.

A Piston Insertion Step 516, comprising inserting piston 7 equipped withO-rings 6 into a piston cavity, such as piston cavity 55, of a pistoncap, such as piston cap 5.

A Piston Cap Attachment Step 518, comprising attaching piston cap 5containing piston 7 equipped with piston O-rings 6 to the upper end ofouter tube 3 equipped with O-ring 2. In one embodiment, such attachmentcomprises engaging internal threading of piston cap 5, such as internalthreading 51, with external threading of outer tube 3, such as externalthreading 33.

A Fluid Pressure Application Step 520, comprising providing pressurizedfluid to the top surface of piston 7 via a port in piston cap 5, such asport 57.

A Piston Cap Sealing Step 522, comprising preventing fluid flow out ofthe Piston-Sealed MPT through port 57 of piston cap 5.

A Sample Curing Step 524, comprising exposing the Piston-Sealed MPTcontaining the sample to a desired temperature for a desired period oftime.

A Cured Sample Recovery Step 526, comprising disassembling thePiston-Sealed MPT and removing the cured sample therefrom.

An exemplary method 600 of curing a foam cement sample utilizing anembodiment of a Ported-Sealed MPT of the present invention is outlinedin FIG. 14, and includes the following steps.

An Outer Tube Provision Step 602, comprising providing an outer tube,such as outer tube 3.

An Outer Tube O-ring Attachment Step 604, comprising attaching twoO-rings, such as O-rings 2, to outer tube 3. In one embodiment, suchO-ring attachment comprises seating each O-ring 2 in an external outergroove of outer tube 3, such as groove 34.

An Inner Tube Structure Assembly Step 606, comprising cooperativelyarranging a plurality of inner tube sections, such as inner tubesections 4, to form an inner tube structure.

An Inner Tube Structure Insertion Step 608, comprising inserting theinner tube structure into outer tube 3 through the lower end thereof.

A Closed-Ended Cap Attachment Step 610, comprising attaching aclosed-ended cap, such as closed-ended cap 1, to the lower end of outertube 3 equipped with O-ring 2. In one embodiment, such attachmentcomprises engaging internal threading of closed-ended cap 1, such asinternal threading 11, with external threading of outer tube 3, such asexternal threading 33.

A Sample Provision Step 612, comprising providing a liquid foam cementsample into the inner tube structure via a port in ported cap 8, such asport 85.

A Ported Cap Attachment Step 614, comprising attaching a ported cap,such as ported cap 8, to the upper end of outer tube 3 equipped withO-ring 2. In one embodiment, such attachment comprises engaging internalthreading of ported cap 8, such as internal threading 81, with externalthreading of outer tube 3, such as external threading 33.

A Fluid Pressure Application Step 616, comprising providing pressurizedfluid to the inner tube structure via a port in ported cap 8, such asport 85.

A Ported Cap Sealing Step 618, comprising preventing fluid flow out ofthe Ported-Sealed MPT through port 85 of ported cap 8.

A Sample Curing Step 620, comprising exposing the Ported-Sealed MPTcontaining the sample to a desired temperature for a desired period oftime.

A Cured Sample Recovery Step 622, comprising disassembling thePorted-Sealed MPT and removing the cured sample therefrom.

An exemplary method 700 of curing a foam cement sample utilizing anembodiment of a Ported MPT of the present invention is outlined in FIG.15, and includes the following steps.

An Outer Tube Provision Step 702, comprising providing an outer tube,such as outer tube 3.

An Outer Tube O-ring Attachment Step 704, comprising attaching twoO-rings, such as O-rings 2, to outer tube 3. In one embodiment, suchO-ring attachment comprises seating each O-ring 2 in an external outergroove of outer tube 3, such as groove 34.

An Inner Tube Structure Assembly Step 706, comprising cooperativelyarranging a plurality of inner tube sections, such as inner tubesections 4, to form an inner tube structure.

An Inner Tube Structure Insertion Step 708, comprising inserting theinner tube structure into outer tube 3 through the lower end thereof.

A Lower Ported Cap Attachment Step 710, comprising attaching a portedcap, such as ported cap 8, to the lower end of outer tube 3 equippedwith O-ring 2. In one embodiment, such attachment comprises engaginginternal threading of ported cap 8, such as internal threading 81, withexternal threading of outer tube 3, such as external threading 33.

An Upper Ported Cap Attachment Step 712, comprising attaching a portedcap, such as ported cap 8, to the upper end of outer tube 3 equippedwith O-ring 2. In one embodiment, such attachment comprises engaginginternal threading of ported cap 8, such as internal threading 81, withexternal threading of outer tube 3, such as external threading 33.

A Pressurized Sample Provision Step 714, comprising providing apressurized liquid foam cement sample into the inner tube structure viaa port in lower ported cap 8, such as port 85.

A Lower Ported Cap Sealing Step 716, comprising preventing fluid flowout of the Ported MPT through port 85 of lower ported cap 8.

A Fluid Pressure Application Step 718, comprising providing pressurizedfluid to the inner tube structure via a port in upper ported cap 8, suchas port 85.

An Upper Ported Cap Sealing Step 720, comprising preventing fluid flowout of the Ported MPT through port 85 of upper ported cap 8.

A Sample Curing Step 722, comprising exposing the Ported MPT containingthe sample to a desired temperature for a desired period of time.

A Cured Sample Recovery Step 724, comprising disassembling the PortedMPT and removing the cured sample therefrom.

An exemplary method 800 of curing a foam cement sample utilizing anembodiment of a Piston MPT of the present invention is outlined in FIG.16, and includes the following steps.

An Outer Tube Provision Step 802, comprising providing an outer tube,such as outer tube 3.

An Outer Tube O-ring Attachment Step 804, comprising attaching twoO-rings, such as O-rings 2, to outer tube 3. In one embodiment, suchO-ring attachment comprises seating each O-ring 2 in an external outergroove of outer tube 3, such as groove 34.

An Inner Tube Structure Assembly Step 806, comprising cooperativelyarranging a plurality of inner tube sections, such as inner tubesections 4, to form an inner tube structure.

An Inner Tube Structure Insertion Step 808, comprising inserting theinner tube structure into outer tube 3 through the lower end thereof.

A Lower Piston O-ring Attachment Step 810, comprising attaching twoO-rings, such as O-rings 6, to a lower piston, such as piston 7. In oneembodiment, such O-ring attachment comprises seating each O-ring 6 in anexternal outer groove of lower piston 7, such as groove 72.

A Lower Piston Insertion Step 812, comprising inserting lower piston 7equipped with O-rings 6 into a piston cavity, such as piston cavity 55,of a lower piston cap, such as piston cap 5.

A Lower Piston Cap Attachment Step 814, comprising attaching lowerpiston cap 5 to the lower end 36 of outer tube 3 equipped with O-ring 2.In one embodiment, such attachment comprises engaging internal threadingof lower piston cap 5, such as internal threading 51, with externalthreading of outer tube 3, such as external threading 33.

A Sample Provision Step 816, comprising providing a liquid foam cementsample into the upper end of the inner tube structure.

An Upper Piston O-ring Attachment Step 818, comprising attaching twoO-rings, such as O-rings 6, to an upper piston, such as piston 7. In oneembodiment, such O-ring attachment comprises seating each O-ring 6 in anexternal outer groove of upper piston 7, such as groove 72.

An Upper Piston Insertion Step 820, comprising inserting upper piston 7equipped with O-rings 6 into a piston cavity, such as piston cavity 55,of an upper piston cap, such as piston cap 5.

An Upper Piston Cap Attachment Step 822, comprising attaching upperpiston cap 5 to the upper end of outer tube 3 equipped with O-ring 2. Inone embodiment, such attachment comprises engaging internal threading ofupper piston cap 5, such as internal threading 51, with externalthreading of outer tube 3, such as external threading 33.

A Lower Fluid Pressure Application Step 824, comprising providingpressurized fluid to the bottom surface, such as bottom surface 19, oflower piston 7 via a port in lower piston cap 5, such as port 57.

An Upper Fluid Pressure Application Step 826, comprising providingpressurized fluid to the top surface, such as top surface 18, of upperpiston 7 via a port in upper piston cap 5, such as port 57.

A Lower Piston Cap Sealing Step 828, comprising preventing fluid flowout of the Piston MPT through port 57 of lower piston cap 5.

An Upper Piston Cap Sealing Step 830, comprising preventing fluid flowout of the Piston MPT through port 57 of upper piston cap 5.

A Sample Curing Step 832, comprising exposing the Piston MPT containingthe sample to a desired temperature for a desired period of time.

A Cured Sample Recovery Step 834, comprising disassembling the PistonMPT and removing the cured sample therefrom.

As would be understood by one skilled in the art, methods 300, 400, 500,600, 700, and 800 are only exemplary, and may be modified to accomplishspecific results, such modifications including, but not limited to,combining, adding, deleting, re-ordering, and/or repeating one or moresteps. As would also be understood by one skilled in the art, whilemethods 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 have been described as aplurality of steps, in various embodiments, two or more steps may beperformed concurrently.

While the present invention has been disclosed and discussed inconnection with the foregoing embodiments, it will be understood thatthe invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but iscapable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions ofparts and elements without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A system for containing and testing a sample comprising: anouter tube; a plurality of separate inner tube components; and two caps;wherein: said plurality of separate inner tube components iscooperatively joinable, via abutment of complementary longitudinal edgesurfaces thereof, to form an inner tube structure containing the testsample; said inner tube structure can be disassembled back into saidseparate inner tube components via separation of said abuttedcomplementary longitudinal edge surfaces thereof for extracting the testsample; said inner tube structure is disposable within an inner bore ofsaid outer tube; said outer tube comprises external threading proximatea first end thereof and a second end thereof; each said cap comprises aninternal bore comprising internal threading proximate an open first endthereof; and each said cap is sealingly attachable to at least one ofsaid first end or said second end of said outer tube via engagement ofsaid cap internal bore threading and said outer tube external threading.2. The system of claim 1, comprising: two outer tube elastomer seals;wherein: said outer tube comprises an external circumferential grooveproximate each end thereof; and one said elastomer seal is seatable ineach said outer tube groove.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein at leastone said cap is a closed-ended cap.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein atleast one said cap is a piston cap comprising: a piston cavity withinsaid piston cap internal bore; and a port which fluidly connects theexterior of a second open end of said piston cap to said piston cavity;wherein said system comprises a piston that is disposable within atleast one said piston cavity.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein at leastone said piston cavity has an internal diameter substantially equal toan internal diameter of said inner tube structure.
 6. The system ofclaim 4, wherein: said piston comprises one or more circumferentialexternal grooves; and an elastomer seal is seated in at least one saidpiston external groove.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein said pistoncomprises a substantially cylindrical component.
 8. The system of claim1, wherein at least one said cap is a ported cap comprising a port whichfluidly connects the exterior of a second end of said ported cap to saidinternal bore of said ported cap.
 9. A system for containing and testinga sample comprising: an outer tube; a plurality of separate inner tubecomponents; and two caps; wherein: said outer tube comprises an axialinternal bore gradually tapered from a first end thereof to a second endthereof; said plurality of separate inner tube components iscooperatively joinable, via abutment of complementary longitudinal edgesurfaces thereof, to form an inner tube structure containing the testsample; said inner tube structure can be disassembled back into saidseparate inner tube components via separation of said abuttedcomplementary longitudinal edge surfaces thereof for extracting the testsample; said inner tube structure is disposable within an inner bore ofsaid outer tube; said outer tube comprises external threading proximatesaid first end thereof and said second end thereof; each said capcomprises an internal bore comprising internal threading proximate anopen first end thereof; and each said cap is sealingly attachable to atleast one of said first end or said second end of said outer tube viaengagement of said cap internal bore threading and said outer tubeexternal threading.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one saidcap is a closed-ended cap.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein at leastone said cap is a piston cap comprising: a piston cavity within saidpiston cap internal bore; and a port which fluidly connects the exteriorof a second open end of said piston cap to said piston cavity; whereinsaid system comprises a piston that is disposable within at least onesaid piston cavity.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein at least onesaid piston cavity has an internal diameter substantially equal to aninternal diameter of said inner tube structure.
 13. The system of claim11, wherein: said piston comprises one or more circumferential externalgrooves; and an elastomer seal is seated in at least one said pistonexternal groove.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein said pistoncomprises a substantially cylindrical component.
 15. The system of claim9, wherein at least one said cap is a ported cap comprising a port whichfluidly connects the exterior of a second end of said ported cap to saidinternal bore of said ported cap.
 16. A method for testing a samplecomprising: providing the system of claim 1; providing said inner tubestructure within said outer tube inner bore; attaching a first said capto a first end of said outer tube via engagement of the internalthreading of that cap and the external threading of that end of saidouter tube; providing a liquid sample to said inner tube structure;attaching a second said cap to a second end of said outer tube viaengagement of the internal threading of that cap and the externalthreading of that end of said outer tube; exposing said systemcontaining said sample to a desired temperature for a desired period oftime to at least partially solidify said sample; disassembling saidsystem; and recovering said at least partially solidified sample. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein: said system comprises two outer tubeelastomer seals; said outer tube comprises an external circumferentialgroove proximate each end thereof; and one said elastomer seal is seatedin each said outer tube groove.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein atleast one said system cap is a piston cap comprising: a piston cavitywithin said piston cap internal bore; and a port which fluidly connectsthe exterior of a second open end of said piston cap to said pistoncavity; wherein: said system comprises a piston disposed within at leastone said piston cavity; and said method comprises preventing fluid flowout of said system through each said piston cap port.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein: at least one said system cap is a ported capcomprising a port which fluidly connects the exterior of a second end ofsaid ported cap to said internal bore of said ported cap; and saidmethod comprises preventing fluid flow out of said system through eachsaid ported cap internally threaded port.
 20. A method for testing asample comprising: providing the system of claim 9; providing said innertube structure within said outer tube inner bore; attaching one said capto an end of said outer tube via engagement of the internal threading ofthat cap and the external threading of that end of said outer tube;providing a liquid sample to said inner tube structure; attaching theother said cap to the other end of said outer tube via engagement of theinternal threading of that cap and the external threading of that end ofsaid outer tube; exposing said system containing said sample to adesired temperature for a desired period of time to at least partiallysolidify said sample; disassembling said system; and recovering said atleast partially solidified sample.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein:said system comprises two outer tube elastomer seals; said outer tubecomprises an external circumferential groove proximate each end thereof;and one said elastomer seal is seated in each said outer tube groove.22. The method of claim 20, wherein at least one said system cap is apiston cap comprising: a piston cavity within said piston cap internalbore; and a port which fluidly connects the exterior of a second openend of said piston cap to said piston cavity; wherein: said systemcomprises a piston disposed within at least one said piston cavity; andsaid method comprises preventing fluid flow out of said system througheach said piston cap port.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein: at leastone said system cap is a ported cap comprising a port which fluidlyconnects the exterior of a second end of said ported cap to saidinternal bore of said ported cap; and said method comprises preventingfluid flow out of said system through each said ported cap internallythreaded port.